Valley Solutions

Valley Solutions offers a daily look at the top headlines appearing on media websites affecting the San Joaquin Valley. It is compiled by Mike Dunbar, who worked in Stockton, Modesto, Merced and Los Banos media for 40 years and later served as Adam Gray’s press secretary when he was in the Assembly. Valley Solutions is brought to readers by Rep. Adam Gray.

Who can fix nation’s problems?

Stocktonia. Former Stockton Mayor backed by Trump hopes to unseat US Rep. Adam Gray in CA-13.
Synopsis: Rep. Adam Gray and Kevin Lincoln both see the problems confronting the Valley, but they offer wildly different solutions. Lincoln will rely on the solutions offered by Donald Trump, who endorsed him for Congress. Though his yard signs no longer carry the term “Trump Endorsed,” Lincoln has taken massive donations from Trump’s political action committees. Gray also mentions Trump – pointing out his “irresponsible, reckless, dangerous” deportation policies, the spike in gas prices since Trump started his war with Iran and crushing increases for the cost of healthcare since the passage of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. Gray notes that he is part of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition, which seeks common ground on issues such as agriculture, education and healthcare. Lincoln, meanwhile, blames the price of gas on a vote Gray cast a dozen years ago in the state legislature.
MAD Take: Lincoln won’t talk about healthcare because Trump’s policies are on the verge of causing insurance premiums to skyrocket and throwing thousands off MediCal. He won’t talk about immigration because Trump is rounding up workers and citizens without warrants or cause. And when he talks about gas taxes, Lincoln is just lying. Gray voted for the California Infrastructure Improvement Act along with every other Democrat and several Republicans. That bill caused the price of gasoline to rise exactly 12 cents per gallon. Since Trump started bombing Iran, gas prices have soared by $2 and diesel costs $5 more. Lincoln and Johnson must think people are stupid. Or can’t count.

Rally was in wrong district  

Stocktonia. House Speaker Mike Johnson calls Kevin Lincoln race a top contest in GOP’s midterm fight.
Synopsis: In front of about 200 people at the Port of Stockton, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and Donald Trump need Kevin Lincoln in Congress. Johnson said 21 races will determine control of Congress, which is why he and Trump-affiliated PACs have poured millions into races against incumbents like Adam Gray in CA-13. Lincoln originally planned to challenge Josh Harder, who represents the district in which Lincoln lives. But Lincoln changed his mind. Said Lincoln: “Kevin Lincoln has never forgotten where he came from.” Manuel Zapata of the San Joaquin Democratic Central Committee noted the size of the rally and disputed Johnson’s insistence that the race is close. “We understand Kevin Lincoln as a candidate isn’t very strong,” he said. Lincoln has won one election and lost two.
MAD Take: Kevin Lincoln says he’ll “never forget” where he came from, but he forgets that he doesn’t come from the district. He lives 10 miles north of the district he wants to represent. And his rally was across the Stockton Deepwater Channel from the district. He and Mike Johnson did their rally in CA-9, Josh Harder’s district. He doesn’t live in CA 13, doesn’t campaign in CA-13. What’s he got to do with CA-13? My guess is a lot of those attending his “rally” don’t live in the district, either.

Another day, another resignation

Stocktonia. Stockton interim city clerk Bonnie Paige resigns weeks after appointment. 
Synopsis: Retired city clerk Bonnie Paige returned to city hall last month when Katherine Roland resigned her position in the midst of a political power struggle. Now Paige has quit, too, less than six weeks after returning to the job she held for six years. “Things are very different here in the city of Stockton,” she said. “I feel I am not the right person for this position any longer.” The clerk’s office oversees elections and maintains council records. Roland quit after citing interference from a staff member of the mayor’s office – an accusation Mayor Christina Fugazi insists was refuted in an investigation she refuses to disclose. The resignation of the city attorney followed Roland’s resignation. The civil grand jury has identified council infighting and interference by city staff as creating “turmoil” in city government. Last week, the council stripped Jason Lee of his “Vice Mayor” title; he had been vocal in pointing out problems between the mayor’s office and the clerk’s office.

Floods coming; are you ready?

SF Chronicle. CA’s storm door is about to swing wide open. 
Synopsis: The Chron’s chief meteorologist says the “atmospheric firehose should soon take aim at California,” raising prospects of a “wet Halloween and Election Day.” Modeling predicts up to 3 inches of rain in the Bay Area and snow in the Sierra next week. The ocean is about 10 degrees warmer than usual, and that heat rises into the atmosphere through evaporation. The jet stream pushes those clouds to the mountains, where they meet cold air and start dumping moisture. 

Merced Focus. Creek maintenance and communication: How Merced County is preparing for El Niño.
Synopsis: Three years after powerful storms displaced thousands of people in Planada and along Merced’s Bear Creek, both the city and county have declared a state of emergency to facilitate their preparations. The county and city are clearing debris from both Bear Creek and Miles Creek. Work is also taking place along the Merced River at Crocker Dam. To sign up for the county’s emergency alert system, text your zip code to 888-777. 

Merced Golden Wire (Facebook). Flooding hits South Merced. 
Synopsis: A person was paddling his kayak around in south Merced after clogged drains caused an intersection to flood to about 14 inches. County officials asked residents not to attempt to drive through standing water or flooded streets.

Mostly good news on almonds

CA Ag Net. Blue Diamond reports strongest September shipment in six years. 
Synopsis: A report from the nation’s largest almond co-op says September shipments totaled 232.5 million pounds, with 189.2 million pounds destined for other nations. That means domestic markets fell by 12%. India remains the top destination, with 66.4 million pounds, an increase of 138% over 2025. California is the top supplier of in-shell nuts for India’s Diwali celebrations. China and Hong Kong purchased 2.9 million pounds, or 32% more than last year. Sales in Europe fell 12% and sales in the Middle East were down 6% from last year. New domestic sales fell 23%. “Buyers are expected to remain disciplined in their purchasing strategies,” meaning Blue Diamond does not expect a turnaround in the U.S. This year’s harvest is 22% larger than last year at this point.
MAD Take: Blue Diamond is headquartered in Sacramento, but its largest facilities are in Turlock and Salida. Almonds are the top crop in Stanislaus, Madera, San Joaquin and Fresno counties. The health of the almond industry has a significant impact on the economic health of this entire region. Shine on!

State’s missed opportunity

LA Times. ‘Really bad investment’: CA overpaid private firm in $180 million water deal, critics say.
Synopsis: The Newsom administration is coming under fire for paying $180 million to a private investment firm that speculates in selling water. The plan was to take 16,000-acre feet used by a single farm, leave it in the river, then use that water to help salmon. Many environmental advocates believe the deal could set a precedent for overcharging taxpayers. Said Barry Nelson of Golden State Salmon Assn, “This is extraordinarily expensive water. Peter Drekmeier of the Yosemite Rivers Alliance – formerly, The Tuolumne Trust – agreed, calling the purchase “just wrong” and adding, “Seems like a really bad investment for the public.” The money went to RRG Capital Management – aka, Renewable Resources Group. Its spokesman, Tom Eisenhauer, noted that the cost included ownership of Fair Ranch, a 7,500-acre farm on the river. It has been turned over to Reclamation District 108 and will remain in production. Based on how much water will actually remain in the river after farming, Nelson calculated the water costs $36,000 per acre foot. River Partners had originally proposed buying the land and turning it into floodplain. “We see this as a missed opportunity,” said CEO Julie Rentner. River Partners purchased the 1,900-acre Dos Rios ranch west of Modesto, turning it into a refuge that later became a state park and has contributed to flood protection, improved groundwater levels and restored habitat.

Tough week for Fresno cops

Fresno Bee. Fresno officer abused Flock cameras, other databases, police department alleges.
Synopsis: The Fresno police department’s Office of Independent Review is investigating an officer that the board says misused police databases. The officer is also accused of not turning in body-cam video in violation of department policy. He is on paid leave. “The Fresno Police Department takes violations of policy seriously,” the department said. “But they become even more important when they involve a violation of public trust.” As Flock cameras have been installed in thousands of locations across the nation, misuse has become common with 50 police officers being charged with misuse.

Fresno Bee. After 2 domestic violence calls in a week, Fresno cop faces resisting arrest felony.
Synopsis: A Fresno police officer is on paid leave after being arrested twice in the same week for domestic-violence related incidents in Visalia. Jacob Ryan Romero, 28, was arrested Oct. 12 at 4:43 a.m. and became the subject of a restraining order. He was arrested again on Oct. 15 at the same home.

Fresno to defend immigrants

Fresnoland. Fresno council approves $1M for legal defense fund for immigrants.
Synopsis: The Fresno City Council set aside $1 million to cover the cost of legal defenses if any of the city’s residents are detained by federal agents. “Today’s action sends a clear message: Fresno will not turn its back on immigrant families facing fear, intimidation or potential violations of their constitutional right,” said the sponsor of the allocation, Miguel Arias. It passed 5-1, with Nick Richardson voting no. “Having access to a lawyer can “help keep families together,” said Sukaina Hussain of the CA Immigrant Policy Center.

Who’s your MAMA?

Modesto Focus. Here are your 2026 MAMA winners out of thousands of ballots cast for local artists.
Synopsis: The 27^th Modesto Area Music Awards packed them in at the State Theatre on Oct. 20, as music made in Modesto was celebrated. Founder Chris Murphy said there were 4,780 votes cast in determining winners in 17 categories this year. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jim Burgett, who played guitar in bands performing in the 1960s and ‘70s. There were performances and, of course, awards – from Hip Hop (Big Rojo) to Brewery (Dying Breed) to Latin (Mike Torres Jr. Band) to Blues (Johnny Valdez).

California’s ‘spiritual home’

Merced Sun Star. This Yosemite spot is CA’s No. 1 ‘spiritual home,’ survey says.
Synopsis: A company called A Mission for Michael, which offers mental health treatment, has identified the “spiritual homes” for residents of every state. Glacier Point provides that spot in California, beating out Lake Tahoe, Stout Memorial Grove, Joshua Trees, and other spectacular natural places. Those who chose the location cited its solace, overwhelming beauty and emotional connection.
MAD Take: What? Did they forget Disneyland? The Gallo Winery? Great Wolf Lodge? What about the Winchester Mystery House?